Japan

Tokyo

• Maid Cafe & Restaurant Maidreamin

The most popular form of cosplay cafe is the maid cafe, in which waitresses dressed in maid costumes serve food in a playful and interactive way. At these themed cafes, they use formal, polite language, strike cute poses, and make diners bless their food with adorable spells.

Tokyo Tower

• Tokyo Tower is a tourist spot that provides visitors with a magnificent 360 degree view of the surroundings right from the center of Tokyo.

While your Trip Leader will assist you with optional activities, please note that these activities are not part of the Under30Experiences itinerary. We cannot guarantee their safety or standard.

Please be eco-friendly.

Bring a reusable water bottle to refill from the tap.

Avoid plastic bags and straws at restaurants and when shopping.

Please avoid aerosol bug sprays as they negatively affect the environment.

Pack lightly to ensure easy transport. A travel backpack or a medium-sized suitcase is ideal, with a small daypack for daily essentials. Space is limited on transportation, so only one main piece of luggage per person is allowed. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.

Below are our staff picks of the favorite travel with essentials. All products selected are TSA-compliant (3 ounces or less) and environmentally friendly whenever possible.

Remember to pack a water bottle, sunscreen, sandals, a beach towel, a waterproof rain jacket, sunglasses, and a hat!

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Japan is a combination of ancient traditions, ultra-modern cities, and spectacular natural beauty. As a destination, it is an explorer’s haven with infinite experiences. Simply said, Japan should be on everyone’s bucket list.

This trip offers experiences in all aspects of Japan’s culture, cuisine, landscapes, and traditions. You’ll visit three major cities: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. The adventure begins and ends in two different cities. From visiting temples and learning about Japanese Buddhism to walking among forests, cruising on a lake, and observing deer in a park,  this trip offers a balance of cultural immersion and outdoor exploration.

You'll stay overnight in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese guesthouse, where you’ll sleep on a futon. Though the bedding is ample on this night, it may be a bit uncomfortable for those who prefer super-soft mattresses. 

On this trip, you’ll move around quite often, experiencing various types of accommodations and transportation, including Japan’s famous bullet train. There are limited days with private transportation as most of the transits between activities and destinations will be on public buses and trains. Your Trip Leader will be with you most of the time to help you navigate these transit systems. However, there will also be times when you will be responsible for getting back to the accommodation on your own if you decide to stay out at night, for example. Independent, confident travelers will feel comfortable, but navigating cities could be overwhelming and challenging for those less familiar.

-Age requirement: 21+

-Group size: 16 max, average 12-14

-Physical rating: Moderate. Some activities include physical activity like hiking.

Feel free to reach out to our all-star customer service team at info@under30experiences.com.

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The cycling route is mostly flat and easy to ride, and group will use e-bikes for extra support.

It takes approximately 90 minutes to cycle along the Kamo River from the bike shop to Daisen-in Temple. You can expect a short stop or two along the Kamo River for the group to take photos.

From Daisen-in Temple to Kinkakuji, it takes around 60 minutes, including cycling time and a quick lunch stop.

The return ride from Kinkakuji back to the bike shop takes about 60 minutes.

If any traveler does not want to or is unable to cycle, or the weather is not suitable for bike ride, public transport is available, and the Trip Leader will also give instructions for this.

Additionally, a traveler can also take a private taxi and pay on their own if they prefer.

Of course! This trip is yours, and you don’t have to participate in anything you don’t want to. However, opting out of included activities will not reduce the trip's price.

Japan is generally very safe for LGBTQIA+ travelers. While homosexuality is legal in Japan, gay marriage has not been made legal by the Japanese high court. There is no legal recognition of non-binary gender in Japan; however, similar to the legitimacy of gay marriage, it can vary by region.

LGBTQIA+ travelers shouldn’t have any issues visiting Japan, as violence, outright hostility, or overt discrimination is extremely rare. However, Japan’s older generation still holds conservative values when it comes to LGBTQIA+ sexuality and non-binary gender expression, especially those who live in more rural areas.

Public displays of affection are often frowned upon, regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation, so keep that in mind when you’re out in public.

ATMs are readily available and include English translations, making them very convenient for travelers.

Foreign credit cards are generally accepted in major stores, hotels, and restaurants across Japan, especially in large cities. 

However, Japan is still considered a largely cash-based society, so it's advisable to carry both cash and a credit card.

Yes, there will be opportunities to do laundry. Expect to use laundromats in the neighborhoods around the accommodations. Your Trip Leader can give you more details about the nearest one.

We generally recommend 400 USD. Below is a basic breakdown:

• 8 breakfasts and 4 dinners are included
• A basic Japanese dish for lunch costs 8-12 USD, and dinner costs 15-25 USD. Alcohol is excluded from these price ranges.
• A cup of coffee or a can of soda will cost 2-4 USD.
• Optional activities range from 10 USD to 40 USD, depending on the activity. 
• We suggest tipping Trip Leaders 3-6 USD per day.

The easiest way to get around Tokyo is to buy a pre-paid ticket. This will save you money and time, as you won't need to purchase individual tickets each time you want to take a train. The main options are a JR Pass, a Tokyo Subway Pass, or a Suica IC Card. 

Tokyo Subway Navigation for Tourists is the official Tokyo Metro app, which is free for Apple and Android users to download. It’s a really handy navigation tool! 

Yes, drinking water from taps in Japan is completely safe. For environmental reasons, try to use a refillable water bottle rather than buying bottled water. Major cities often have water fountains in train stations.

In Japan, toilets range from high-tech bidets to standard Western-style flushable toilets to squat toilets, which are still common outside the city. Both types are often available.

If you are a fan of raw fish, you’re in for a real treat, but it’s also important to note that Japanese cuisine is much more than just sushi. Dishes such as crisp and delicate tempura, succulent yakitori, and steaming umami-rich bowls of ramen and udon noodles mean that there is something for everyone.

In recent years, Japan has also started developing delicious vegetarian and vegan cuisines, with specialty restaurants popping up all over the major cities. Shojin-ryouri is also traditionally eaten by Buddhist monks who follow a strict vegetarian diet.

Japan has excellent internet connectivity, with one of the world's most developed high-speed networks. Cafes with internet and wi-fi hotspots are easily found in most cities and major towns.

Japanese power outlets come in two varieties: type A and B. In the United States, power outlets are type B. Because they are the same size and shape, you can use your plugs in type B outlets without an adapter.

However, the standard voltage in Japan is 100V at 50/60 Hz, while that in the United States is 120V at 60 Hz. These differences can sometimes damage the device or result in lower functioning performance. For this reason, we recommend purchasing a universal travel adapter to prevent issues. 

Tipping isn't customary in Japan and is not expected. In fact, it will sometimes be considered impolite. Some inns or ryokans may leave a small envelope in your room where a small gratuity can be left for the housekeeping staff.

When visiting temples in Japan, modest attire is important as a sign of respect. Choose loose-fitting clothing that doesn’t expose much skin. Your shoulders should be covered. Shorts are okay, but they should be knee-length.

Always remove your shoes and hats before entering a temple. It is respectful to wear socks when visiting a temple—never go barefoot. 

Japan has a public tendency toward neatness and appearance. Caring for your clothes is standard; rarely will you see a ragged hem, torn shirt, or sloppy looks. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but smart and tidy goes a long way here.

Fashion in Japan is more modest than in the United States. It’s not common to show much skin, for any gender. Avoid shirts that show cleavage, belly-exposing shirts, tank tops that resemble lingerie without a shirt on top, and anything transparent that shows part of your underwear. Women should also avoid wearing super-short skirts or shorts. 

You’re likely to be walking a lot in Tokyo, so opt for comfortable shoes. Choose something that’s easy to slip on and off, as you’ll need to remove your shoes at temples, in homes, and in some traditional shops or restaurants. Sandals are fine, but flip-flops are strictly beach attire only.

We recommend a travel backpack for your convenience or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Since space is limited on transportation, there is a maximum of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage, so pack smart.

Japan has four distinct seasons, making it a great place to travel year-round. Spring is the most popular time to visit as the famous wave of blooming sakura (cherry blossom trees) spreads from the south to the north of the country between February and April. Autumn is a wonderful alternative to spring when the weather is mild, and Japan’s forests turn beautiful shades of red and gold.

Japan is ranked among the safest countries in the world, with very low crime rates, including theft.

No vaccinations are required to enter Japan.

Do not expect normal hotel facilities and amenities when spending a night in a traditional Japanese ryokan. Expect more of a cultural experience. Ryokan are designed around simplicity and calm. Expect tatami mat floors, sliding paper doors (shoji), low tables, and minimal decor.

You will have to remove your shoes before entering the accommodation. You will be welcomed with tea or sweets upon checking in. You will be given a yukata (casual kimono) to wear during your stay.

Your bedding will be a futon mattress laid out on the floor. You will be provided with a pillow and blanket. Expect close spaces as the rooms are small.

There will be an onsen on site with private bathing times that you will need to book with the staff. They may be indoor as well as outdoor bathing options. Any public onsen will be separated by gender.

Please note that for the one-night stay at the ryokan, we cannot guarantee a private room for solo travelers who have paid the single supplement or for those traveling with a partner. You will share a room with another traveler of the same gender. Expect 2-3 people per room.

Japan’s currency is the yen (JPY). Before your trip, check with your bank about ordering some currency so you have money upon arrival.

Visas are not required for US passport holders. 

Just ensure that your passport is valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Japan. Many passport holders do not need visas to stay in Japan for up to 90 days. 

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Since entry requirements can change at any time, it's important to check for the latest information before your trip.